A trash pile caught fire early Friday morning in an alley near downtown Los Angeles, sending a column of smoke into the sky around 5:49 a.m.
The fire broke out near the intersection of West 7th Street and South Berendo Street, in an area close to downtown and surrounded by residential neighborhoods. Los Angeles firefighters responded to the scene and extinguished the blaze.
Residents in the area saw thick smoke rising from the alley before dawn. Trash fires can spread quickly to nearby buildings or vehicles, making fast initial response important.
No injuries or structural damage have been reported. Officials have long warned that illegal dumping in alleys increases fire risk.
